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Elixir, a New Gay Bar in Queens

Darilyn La Fontaine performing at Elixir.Credit
Sam Polcer for The New York Times

The diverse borough of Queens is now home to an equally diverse gay bar. Opened earlier this year in the bustling neighborhood of Astoria, Elixir is owned and operated by two transgender women, Lidia Jimenez and Marilyn Sulay, who have created a place popular with that branch of the LGBT community, too.

“We offer them a safe place to have fun,” said Michael Madrid, the bar’s manager. “They feel like they’re going to be taken care of and treated with respect.”

The Place

This former hookah joint on a lively stretch of Broadway filled with neighborhood bars and restaurants has been given a sleek makeover with high, tufted banquettes and dark patterned wallpaper. Tucked into the back of the long rectangular room is the club’s secret weapon: an intimate dance floor with a silvery D.J. booth.

The Crowd

Reflecting its borough, the scene is multiethnic and multigenerational, with bouncy 20-somethings ruling the dance floor, and patrons in their 30s and 40s lounging on chairs and banquettes up front. It’s also multisexual. On a recent Saturday night, there was even a lesbian bachelorette party with the brides-to-be sporting matching princess crowns.

Music varies by night. Mondays are Industry Night (Broadway show tunes) while Thursdays are Kiss & Tell Karaoke (power ballads). The weekend spinner is the resident D.J. Willy Dutch, who favors a tried and true selection of diva hits from the late aughts, like Madonna and Kylie, mixed in with current favorites, like Gaga and Rihanna.

Getting In

There is a doorman to check IDs, but there is no cover or official dress code, though casual is key. “We’ve had people come in on Tuesday nights in their pajamas who live around the corner,” Mr. Madrid said.

A friendly bar staff serves basic mixed drinks with flair (starting at $7) and bottled beers (starting at $6), including a refreshing Fire Island Sea Salt Ale. There are also late-night happy hours on the weekend that start around 1 a.m. and feature specials like two-for-one well drinks.